posset pot

Summary

Public: Two-handled cylindrical posset pot, buff earthenware, decorated with tulips, roses and an inscription in dark and light red slips dotted with white. Private: Broad cylindrical posset pot with flat foot and two simple loop handles (one a restoration). Decorated on each side of handles with rectangular panel containing two stylised roses between three stylised tulips, outlined in dark red studded with white spots, filled in with light red. Inscription round rim within border of dark red bands studded with white, reads 'THE.BEST.IS.NOT.TOO.GOOD.FOR.YOV / BB'. Slightly ribbed handles, decorated with horizontal dark red stripes. Honey coloured lead glaze giving warm yellow ground colour and dark and light brown slips.

Display Label

The Thomas Greg Collection The Greg Collection of English Pottery was given to the Gallery in 1904 by collector and amateur historian Thomas Greg. One of the great collections of English pottery, it was formed at a time when little was known about the history of ceramics in this country. Over forty years Greg systematically acquired some of the best examples of the potter's art, tracing its development over a thousand years. His collection tells the story of English pottery: of experiment and invention, triumph and downfall, from the unknown medieval craftsman to the world domination of Josiah Wedgwood. In many ways, it is a history of England itself. Greg was driven by a fascination with the past and a desire to contribute to scholarly knowledge. He gave his collection to the Gallery in the hope of inspiring a similar sense of wonder in others.